SCHOOL PLANNING IN BALCLUTHA

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25797, 19 March 1945, Page 2

SCHOOL PLANNING IN BALCLUTHA

Sir,—Many of your readers, particularly those who have children attending the Balclutha primary school, must be pleased to hear that the old school buildings, which have served their purpose for over seventy years, are at last to be replaced with something more In keeping with 1945. Being keenly Interested in the educational welfare of our young folk, may I venture to suggest that before the plans for the’ new buildings are drawn up, the Education Department concerned be asked to make a survey of the whole area from Which the children attending this school are drawn. Particularly should such a survey have regard to the recent growth and probable future expansion of the suburban residential areas, especially to the east (North Balclutha as it is called) and Rosebank In the west, and note the distance these children, many of them very young, have to travel, along busy main traffic roads, past dangerous intersections, and through busy borough thoroughfares, lo reach the present school. Taking these facts into consideration, would It not be wiser, instead of rebuilding the old school, to erect two smaller modern schools in each of the two suburbs named? Other towns similarly situated have adopted this system, which is not only more convenient for the children attending, but also tends to promote a healthy spirit of friendly rivalry both in scholastic attainments and in the field of sport in the interschool matches throughout the year. It would also be a means of bringing about the desired improvement in reducing the size of the classes. The extra cost would be immaterial. The site of the old school, if retained, with some of the existing buildings modernised, would serve a useful purpose for dental clinic, preparatory department for younger children living in the borough* and a kindergarten for those of preschool age; while the playing grounds, with flower gardens, lawns, and games area, would solve the problem for those mothers whose small children at present have “ nowhere to play." Perhaps some of the parents and teachers interested will express their views.—l am, etc., v Looking Ahead. Balclutha, March 14.